Joe O’Connor (21) a former student at Notre Dame High School, Norwich, who lives near Bunwell, is cycling from London to Paris with two university friends to raise money for Help for Heroes, the charity supporting British Armed Forces wounded personnel.

They set off from Big Ben on Saturday, August 28, head for Newhaven and catch the ferry to Dieppe, then cycle on quiet roads to Paris, camping en-route, and aim to finish their 350-mile marathon at the Eiffel Tower on Wednesday September 1.

Joe and his colleagues, Paul Wakelin and Ali Tucker, have just completed the second year of their BA (Hons) QTS Physical Education course at the University of Bedfordshire. They have reached nearly half their target of £3000 and are planning an online auction to raise funds, which includes celebrity donations – a boxing glove from heavyweight champion David Haye, a signed football shirt from Chelsea’s John Terry and a signed Formula 1 hat from Red Bull driver, Mark Webber.


Joe O’Connor explained: "We all know people who are in the Army and decided to embark on this project and raise money for Help for Heroes to show our support for the soldiers in Afghanistan, many of whom are the same age as us."

Joe has been going on regular 20-mile cycle rides from home in Bunwell as well as doing gym sessions at UEA. The trio has been sponsored by AJ Cycles in Bedford who provided discounted bikes and cycling clothing to help speed them on their way.

To donate money to the Help for Heroes London to Paris cycling marathon go to www.justgiving.com/studentcycle or email londontoparis2010@hotmail.co.uk.

For more information contact Joe O’Connor on 07763 745825.

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary at Stonham Barns near Stowmarket is offering a wealth of countryside entertainment for all ages throughout the holiday month of August.

There are up to three spectacular flying displays daily featuring powerful eagles, superfast falcons, silently beautiful owls and comical vultures from a cast list of over 80 birds of prey from around the world who reside at the Sanctuary: add in a Red Squirrel colony, Woodland Walk with chipmunk enclosure, quizzes & competitions for youngsters and peaceful retreats for a picnic amongst the owls and you already have the makings of an exciting day of discovery.

But the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary also pleased to announce a host of special extra attractions who will be with us throughout August to entertain visitors.


Every Wednesday & Thursday, Jenny's Ark Pet Zoo will be with there featuring rabbits, guinea pigs, goats, sheep, dragons, lizards, snakes and more to provide children with a close encounter of a different kind.

Then at the weekends a series of "Summer Sunday" specials will offer the Funforce Crew teaching circus tricks like hula-hooping, tightrope walking, plate spinning and limbo dancing, and Bouncy Castle Days with lots of safe but exciting activities and ever-popular face-painting for children.

The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary is based at Stonham Barns, Stonham Aspal in Suffolk and is open to visitors every day of the year. It's a great place to spend the day - there are numerous craft & gift shops, a garden centre, driving range & 9-hole golf course, fishing lakes, caravan park and a coffee shop & restaurant, plus plenty of free parking. Stonham Barns is situated on the A1120 Tourist route not far from Ipswich and is easily accessible form the A14, A12 and A140 - simply follow the brown signs.

For more information and to download a FREE VIP PASS for Juniors, please visit the website www.owl-help.org.uk or call the Sanctuary on 08456 807897.

Bullfinch

Despite its distinctive colouring, the bullfinch is not often seen; it is a shy bird, keeping cover in hedgerows and bushes. Often the only clue to its presence is its call.

Characteristics
The Bullfinch is a bulky bull-headed bird; the male is unmistakable with his bright pinkish-red breast and cheeks, grey back, black cap and tail, and bright white rump. The black bill is short and thick. The female and young birds have grey-buff underparts.


Habitat
Bullfinches are usually found in woodlands, orchard and hedgerows. The birds mainly breed in woodlands but also in parkland and gardens.

They build nest in bushes or trees using twigs, moss and lichens, and laying between 4-7 eggs.


Behaviour
Bullfinch mainly feed on seeds and buds of fruit trees, which has made them a pest in orchards.

They often raid orchards to strip fruit trees of their young buds. When they visit the garden they usually take seed from a hanging seed feeder or suet cake.


The pleasant song of this unobtrusive bird contains fluted whistles and is a quiet warble. However, you are more likely to hear its call, which is a piped "phew".
B.A.B.

www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife

Norfolk is one of England’s greatest Norman counties. To celebrate our Norman heritage Norfolk Tourism and BBC Learning are co-ordinating a wide range of special events and activities from August to October as part of BBC Hands on History and to tie in with the BBC’s Norman season on TV, radio and online.

Do some medieval time travel at Castle Rising Castle and Pensthorpe Nature Reserve. Explore ‘The House of The King’ – Norwich Castle. Design and create your own Norman arch at Binham Priory and go to a Stormin’ Normans event in a Norfolk library. Then become a Norman at the Norfolk Archive Centre, explore King’s Lynn, Great Yarmouth and Norwich’s Norman roots and meet the oldest oak in Norfolk – a sapling at the Battle of Hastings – at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden and much more. Pick up a Normans in Norfolk leaflet at TICs and libraries or download the leaflet from www.visitnorfolk.co.uk.

BBC Norfolk has produced a special Norman Walk at Castle Acre where you can walk in the footsteps of the Norman invaders and explore the landscape carved out by the conquest. Go to BBC Norfolk www.bbc.co.uk/norfolk for a printable map, audio guide and a new family adventure trail.

Madeleine Forrester, Regional Manager, BBC Learning said: “Our partners in Norfolk have developed a fantastic range of special events to allow residents and visitors to the county to get under the skin of Norman Norfolk. I hope to see lots of people exploring Castle Acre on our BBC Norfolk Norman Walk and taking part in exciting Stormin’ Norman events across the county.”

Lydia Smith Director, Norfolk Tourism said: “The Normans had a big impact on Norfolk and their legacy is everywhere to be seen in our wonderful churches and castles and on the streets of Norwich, Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn and Thetford. The special Normans in Norfolk events programme provides a great opportunity to discover what the Normans did for us!”

Norwich’s role as the county capital dates from the post Conquest era when the Normans built the castle and Bishop de Losinga moved his headquarters from Thetford and founded Norwich Cathedral. Norwich became England’s second largest medieval city and today is our most complete medieval city.

King’s Lynn was founded by Bishop de Losinga in 1101 around St Margaret’s Church. The town was initially known as Bishop’s Lynn, following the granting of its charter in 1204, and became an important port and member of The Hanseatic League. Great Yarmouth also has a long history and had its rights confirmed in a charter from King John in 1208.

Some 30 early medieval castles can be traced in the Norfolk countryside, the greatest survivals are at Norwich, Castle Rising and Castle Acre. Thetford Castle was dismantled in 1173, but the castle mound, one of largest in the country, survives.

As Norfolk settled down to Norman rule, the Barons turned their attention to their ‘souls’ and hundreds of parish churches and many monasteries were built. Norfolk has the largest collection of medieval churches in the world.

Thanks to Richeldis de Faverches’ vision of Mary the mother of Jesus, which ‘took her in spirit to Nazareth, and requested that a replica of the Holy House at Nazareth be built’, Walsingham became one of the most important medieval pilgrimage centres in Europe. Today it is home to the national Anglican and Roman Catholic Shrines.

Binham Priory www.binhampriory.org (near Wells) was founded c.1104 by Pierre and Albreda de Valognes, although the building was not finished until the middle of the 13th century. The very impressive parish church, which shared the site, survived the 16th century Dissolution of the Monasteries and is open daily in summer 9am to 6pm.


Castle Acre (near Swaffham) is a planned Norman settlement comprising the castle (English Heritage), church, village and priory (English Heritage) established after the Conquest by William de Warenne, www.english-heritage.org.uk.

Castle Rising Castle www.castlerising.co.uk (near King’s Lynn) was built by William D’Albini. The keep was completed c.1140 and is among the finest surviving examples of its kind. Open 1 April to 1 November, daily 10am-6pm (dusk if earlier in October) also open throughout the winter.

New Buckenham Castle (near Attleborough) and New Buckenham village created by William D’Albini c.1145. The castle was completed c.1176 and the village is renowned for retaining its original medieval street pattern.


Norfolk’s Medieval churches – the county has more than 600 historic churches, with many Norman foundations, www.norfolkopenchurches.com.

Norwich Castle was established in 1067 by William the Conqueror as a Royal palace. Open – peak season (28 June -3 October), Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm, low season (4 October - 3 July 2011) open Mon - Sat 10am-4.30pm and Sun 1pm-4.30pm, www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk.

Norwich Cathedral www.cathedral.org.uk is the most complete Norman cathedral in the UK, founded in 1096 by Bishop Herbert de Losinga. The main building and many of the monastic buildings were finished in 1140 by his successor Bishop Evorard de Montgomery.

Thetford Castle Mound comprises the remains of a Norman motte and bailey castle, built soon after 1066 and dismantled in 1173. It is one of largest man-made mounds in the country.

Thetford Priory (English Heritage) established in the early 12th century, this was one of the most important East Anglian monasteries and was the burial place of the Earls and Dukes of Norfolk for 400 years. Open daily, www.english-heritage.org.uk.

Walsingham www.walsingham.org.uk. This Norfolk village, ‘England’s Nazareth’ was one of the great medieval pilgrimage destinations and continues to this day as a Christian pilgrimage centre.

Wymondham Abbey www.wymondhamabbey.com – founded in 1107 by William D’Albini. As with Binham Priory, the parish church was built adjacent to the Abbey and survived the 16th century Dissolution of the Monasteries. Open April to November Mon-Sat 10am-4pm and Sun 2pm-4pm in July and August. Also open during the winter.



- Hunstanton Library, 14 August, 10.30am – 12noon or 2pm – 3.30pm. Stormin’ Normans, FREE, Find out fascinating, funny and surprising things about Norman life, make your own Norman shield and Bayeux tapestry, tel. 01485 532280.

- Castle Rising Castle, nr King’s Lynn, 14 and 15 August, 10am – 6pm. Medieval Time Travel 1066-1485, Black Knight Historical turns the clock back, experience the sights and sounds of medieval Castle Rising. Charges Adult £7, conc £6, child £4, tel. 01553 631330, www.castlerising.co.uk.

- Norwich Cathedral 17 August, 10am – 12noon 1st session, 12noon-1pm picnic lunch (bring your own), 1pm – 3pm 2nd session – It’s a Norman Monk’s Life. What was a Norman monk’s life really like – lots of fun hands-on activities – FREE, tel. 01603 218320, www.cathedral.org.uk.

- Norfolk Archive Centre, County Hall, Norwich, 17 August, 2pm – 3.30pm, Norman Treasures in the Archives! Find out about the history of the Norfolk Record Office and discover some of our treasures. Get behind the scenes and see our oldest document from William II. FREE, spaces limited. Please book on 01603 222599.

- Norfolk Archive Centre, County Hall, Norwich, 19 August, 2pm– 3.30pm, Become a Norman Solider! Make your own helmet complete with chain mail and find out about Norman Norfolk. FREE, spaces limited. Please book on 01603 222599.

- Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham 25 August, 11am – 3pm, ‘The life of The King Oak’. The garden’s Norman oak. Children’s Day with Norman-themed activities. Normal Admission, adult £5, conc. £4.50, child £2.50 9under 5 free) tel. 01603 270449, www.fairhavengarden.co.uk.

- King’s Lynn 26 August, 2pm – 3.30pm. The Role of the Normans, Norman Lynn, a guided walk though historic King’s Lynn, using documents from the Norfolk Record Office and King’s Lynn Borough Archives to find out about the rôle the Normans played in the town. FREE, spaces limited. Please book on 01603 222599.

- Thetford Library, 28 August 10.30am – 12.30pm and 1pm – 3pm – Norman Arts and Crafts – Norman shields and coins, mini tapestries, 3D castles, family crests and stories. Booking essential tel. 01842 752048.

- Pensthorpe Nature Reserve, nr Fakenham, 28-30 August, 10am – 5pm. Medieval Spectacular, experience the sights and smells of medieval Pensthorpe. Adult £9, seniors £7.50, child £5.50, family £25, Tel 01328 851465, www.pensthorpe.com.

- Castle Rising Castle, nr King’s Lynn, 29 and 30 August, 10am – 6pm, Medieval Feasts & Fighting with Buckingham’s Retinue. Adult £7, conc £6, child £4, tel. 01553 631330, www.castlerising.co.uk.

- Norfolk Archive Centre, County Hall, Norwich, 1 September, 2pm-3.30pm, Create a Norman Town - find out about Norfolk towns and villages using the Domesday Book. FREE, spaces limited. Please book on 01603 222599.

- Cinema City, Norwich, 11 September, 11.30am, Special screening of one of the BBC ‘Norman Season’ programmes Followed by The Normans - a talk by UEA History Professor. £4, £3 concessions, £2 Cinema City members, tel. 0871 902 5724.

- King’s Lynn 28-32 King St, 12 September, 10am– 4pm. Explore a Norman House c.1100 inside a Tudor and Victorian skin. FREE, tel. 01553 763983 or 01553 763044. 

- King’s Lynn 12 September, 10am – 4pm. The new town of Bishop’s Lynn. Walk from the Custom House to True’s Yard Fishing Museum visiting open houses. FREE, tel. 01553 763983 or 01553 763044.

- Norwich Millennium Library, 12 September, 11am – 4pm ‘Stormin’ Normans’ Castles and Kings, Ladies and Knights - Stories & Crafts Norman Stories: 11.30am & 2pm age 3-7 and Norman Crafts, ages 7-12 at 2.15pm and ages 3-7 at 2.30pm, FREE, tel. 01603 774774.

- Great Yarmouth, 14 September, 2pm – 3.30pm – Norman Roots, Great Yarmouth is a Norman town, founded originally by the Bishop of Norwich. Join a guided walk through the town using documents from the Norfolk Record Office to trace its Norman roots. FREE, spaces limited. Please book on 01603 222599.

- Swaffham Library, 18 September, 10.30am– 12noon. Stormin’ Normans, FREE, Find out fascinating, funny and surprising things about Norman life, make your own Norman shield and Bayeux tapestry. Suitable for 7-11 year olds. Places are limited so please book by calling the library on 01760 721513

- Dersingham Library, 23 September, 5.30pm – 7pm, Stormin’ Normans, FREE, Find out fascinating, funny and surprising things about Norman life, make your own Norman shield and Bayeux tapestry. Suitable for 7-11 year olds. Places are limited so please book by calling the library on 01485 540181

- Norwich Millennium Library, 25 September, 11am – The Mind of a Norman Bishop. A talk about Herbert de Losinga’s letters. FREE, tel. 01603 774786.

- New Buckenham, 2 October, 10am to 3pm, A Norman Day at New Buckenham based at the Village Hall (NR16 2AU) plus visit to the Castle, led by Norfolk Family Learning. Lots of fun Norman arts and crafts and play the BBC game ‘Battle of Hastings 1066’! FREE, tel. 01603 430223.

- Norwich Cathedral, 20 October – Bayeux Tapestry Challenge, FREE – this collaboration between HEART and Norwich Cathedral’s education team will give Year 7 students the chance to work together to create an exciting modern day version of the Bayeux Tapestry, based on the Norwich 12, www.norwich12.co.uk, and their place in the history of Norwich. For information tel. 01603 599577.


- Binham Priory every Sunday and Tuesday until 30 September, 2.30pm, Guided Tour of the Priory Church and Monastic Precincts (donations requested), www.binhampriory.org.

- Binham Priory daily throughout August, 9am-6pm, Design and Create your own Norman Arch (donations requested), www.binhampriory.org.

- Norwich Castle, 24 July to 4 September - Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The House of the King - a selection of Norman themed drop in activities including costumed characters, guided tours, talks, object handling and crafts. Normal admission charges apply. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk.

- Norman Norwich Trail – HEART is creating a self-guided trail (for all ages), an exploration of Norwich’s fascinating Norman heritage on foot. Download from HEART’s website from late August www.heritagecity.org tel. 01603 599577.


This summer the BBC is celebrating the Norman era on TV, radio and online. Look out for The Norman Season on TV - BBC Two - The Normans, August, BBC Two - Domesday Book Special, August and BBC Four Dan Snow’s Norman Walks, August. Visit the ‘Hands on History’ website www.bbc.co.uk/history/handsonhistory to find information about Norman castles, churches and battle sites plus free spotters guides to print off for your day out plus family activities to download and get creative this summer, including creating a time capsule, building a castle and holding a medieval feast.




Norfolk Tourism is the county's established public and private industry partnership. Funded by its 55 partner organisations, the partnership is designed to act as a forum for all Norfolk's tourism businesses and local authorities, www.visitnorfolk.co.uk, tel. 01603 222846. See our free to use image library at www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/norfolk/image-library.aspx.

Evolving Tides from Peter Naylor on Vimeo.

Paul Holman Associates and the Marina Theatre, Lowestoft are delighted to announce details of this year’s talented cast in the town’s big Christmas pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Bringing charm, charisma and smouldering good looks to the production is the very talented Stefan Booth, who appeared in the hit serial drama Hollyoaks as the heartbreaking Jamie Nash, before leaving to spend time pounding the beat in The Bill as well as receiving critical acclaim for his appearances in musical theatre.

Stefan was a huge hit with judges and audiences in the popular Dancing on Ice competition which saw him spin, arabesque and butterfly jump his way into the final where he performed The Bolero in front of Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean, securing the runners-up place. He still enjoys ice skating and said that working with Jane and Christopher was an amazing experience.


Stefan who will be appearing in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as the dashing Prince, Said: “Pantomime is very special and such a magical experience for all the family. I’m really excited about the show and coming to Lowestoft. I’m a keen biker and photographer so I will be riding around the district getting to know the area. I’m bringing the family with me for Christmas and have found a wonderful quaint cottage for a cosy traditional family Christmas on location in Lowestoft!”


Joining Stefan in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be former Hi De Hi Yellow Coat Nikki Kelly. For eight series of the BBC show, Nikki brought comedy and laughter to our screens as Sylvia and has recently been seen at The Marina in the touring stage version of Hi De Hi as ballroom dancer Yvonne. Nikki will ensure plenty of boos with her powerful performance of the Wicked Queen!

Bringing bucket loads of comedy to the production will be former Big Breakfast and Richard & Judy reporter, Mike “Squeaky” McClean, following his enormous success as principle comic at the Opera House Manchester last year. With his natural talent for comic timing and his loveable personality, Mike will be dishing up madness and mayhem as Snow White’s best friend Muddles!


A DJ for XFM, Mike is a keen Manchester City FC follower and has played for Rod Stewart’s celebrity charity team. He said: “I was devastated when Man City turned me down. Not to play for them, but to work at their burger bar! I hear Lowestoft Town FC are doing extremely well so if they’re interested I’m willing to try out!”

There’s nothing like a Dame and Marina audiences will have plenty to laugh about when they experience some of the outrageous costumes Dame Dolly Dumpling has promised to wear! Giving new meaning to haute couture will be the creative Adam Daye, who many will remember from the TV hit impressionist show Who Do You Do. Adam has appeared with many of the country’s leading comics, including Ken Dodd, Frankie Howerd, Victoria Wood and Bob Monkhouse.


Home grown talent comes in the shape of Ipswich born Victoria Scott who stars as the fairest of them all, Snow White, and will be known to many in the region from her seaside specials in Cromer as female vocalist. Dancers and children from The June Glennie School of Dance will also be gracefully entering pantoland!

Victoria said: "I am very excited to perform in one of Suffolk's biggest professional pantomimes. As an Ipswich girl it's going to be so good to finally tread the boards of the Marina. Snow White is my favourite role and I cant wait to meet the rest of the lovely cast."


Every production needs a good director and this show is no different! The Olivier award winning Kenn Oldfield, possibly one of the country’s leading directors and choreographers brings his vast wealth of talent to Lowestoft. Kenn was movement director on the Harry Potter film Prisoner of Azkaban, and has directed West End to touring theatre from Joseph and Little Shop of Horrors to Chicago. His TV credits include choreographing Allo Allo, You Rang My Lord and Hi De Hi to name a few.

The new producers of the Marina Theatre’s pantomime, Paul Holman Associates, one of the country’s leading producers of the genre, are confident Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will have something for all the family to enjoy, with a cast full of talent through to the stunning scenery and colourful, creative costumes all brought to life with that extra special pantomime slap stick and audience participation, this pantomime promises to deliver and delight the young and young at heart!

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs runs at the Marina Theatre from December 11 through until January 3. Tickets are on sale now and can be booked by calling the Box Office on 01502 533200. Ticket prices start from £5.00 with family tickets, group and schools rates also available.

The Devil's Grave

Back on the east coast of Norfolk in England the fishing communities prospered, and great fleets hauled in full nets from the mighty herring shoals. It was said that in the biggest harbour at Great Yarmouth during the fishing season, so large was the fleet from all over England and Europe, that you could walk over a mile across the tightly moored ships and smell the gutting of the herring, carried out by thousands of women who came to the area.

Not all the communities joined in the new way of life. The little village of Sea Palling got on with its laying of crab cages and harvesting the reeds for thatching. Babies were born, old folk died, and the seasons moved across the wide horizon.

Memories remained and legends were created. Along the beach where they say there was once a causeway, even the tough grass never grew. Folk from the villages around never liked to walk on that stretch of coast, especially when the winds change direction and came from the north-east to send their salty sprays crashing upon the land.

If the locals are not too frightened they will tell how on such nights a ghostly spectre can be seen rising from the marshes. A body of a beautiful woman ascends from the badlands, tempting in form and singing to those who would listen. But when the unwary approach, the woman turns into a horrible, cruel and evil reincarnation of the devil, slimy body crying out for mercy and deliverance from her eternal damnation in the muddy pit of the earth.

The Devil's Grave is not marked on any map. It is said that if the ghost of Lady Camilla has recognition in spoken or written word, her power will return and haunt the old district of Lothingland.
– Anon

Taverham Brass Band returns to Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham on Sunday 4 July 2010, to launch the garden’s Summer Music Season with a selection of classic hits and songs from the shows. 
This open air concert is from 2pm to 4pm. Normal admission charges apply, adult £5, concessions £4.50 and child £2.50, under five free. There is no additional charge for Summer Music events.

Other events in the Summer Music Season are:

Sunday 11 July, The Castaways, sea shanties and folk songs, 2pm to 4pm.

Sunday 18 July, Top Brass, brass band quintet, 2pm to 4pm.

Sunday 25 July, Norwich City Concert Band, 2pm to 4pm.

Sunday 1 August, 11th annual Green Festival, fun for all the family – a day of local and traditional crafts and activities, 10am to 5pm.

Sunday 8 August, Touch the Earth, spiritual folk band, in concert, 2pm to 4pm

Wednesday 11 August, Razz Day, family fun with Razz the clown, 2pm to 4pm

Sunday 15 August, Norfolk Reed clarinet quartet, 2pm to 4pm.

Sunday 22 August, Magic Folk, folk music for everyone, 2pm to 4pm.

Wednesday 25 August, Children's Day – The Story of the King Oak – activities based around the Norman era when the oak was just a tiny sapling, fun and games from 11am to 3pm.

Sunday 29 August, Sutton Jazz Quartet in concert, 2pm to 4pm

Sunday 5 September, Dixieland Jazz Trio, 2pm to 4pm

There is wheelchair access to most of the garden, including the events area. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance; mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction. The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), also open Wednesday and Thursday until 9pm to the end of August; free parking and free admission to tearoom, gift shop and plant sales.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is organic, only garden leaf soil, farmyard manure and the product of the annual dyke clearance are used as fertilisers. There are 30 species of tree, and more than 95 species of bird, 11 species of butterfly and six species of dragonfly have been recorded. The garden was created by the Second Lord Fairhaven from 1947 until his death in 1973. A charitable trust was then set up to care for the garden, and open it to visitors.


Tel. 01603 270449/270683

Get set for summer at Pleasurewood Hills, the region’s biggest and best theme park. A magical, 50-acre world of family fun and excitement awaits - with new shows, fantastic rides and a whole host of fabulous entertainment. Pleasurewood really does have something for everyone, whether you’re young or simply young-at-heart!

As ever, this summer season at Pleasurewood Hills offers visitors a day out to remember. For adrenalin-junkies, there’s the white-knuckle thrill of ‘Enigma’, ‘Wizzy Dizzy’ and ‘Thunderstruck’ rides and of course, ‘Wipeout’ - the tallest, fastest and most extreme rollercoaster in the East of England. Dare you take a breathtaking, nerve-jangling journey along 900 feet of twisted steel at speeds touching 50mph and pulling over 5Gs!

Or perhaps you might prefer a more sedate trip around the park on the alpine chairlift or aboard one of our two railways.

Smaller adventurers, meanwhile, will love our great selection of fun rides. And naturally, Woody Bear will be on hand to meet and greet all our guests when the Park opens each morning. Incidentally, if you haven’t yet heard, Woody has joined the social networking website, Facebook. He already has well over a thousand friends from here in the UK and all over the world. Why not add your name to the growing list?

As we always say here at Pleasurewood, you’ll come for the rides and you’ll stay for the shows. We offer a range of first class performances - all included in your entrance fee. Be wowed by the spectacular Circus and Street Arts show which includes urban street dance from “ STYLE BEYOND”, showcasing some of the world’s finest break dancers and performers from Hungary and also includes a breathtaking display of BMX dare-devilry! Pleasurewood Hills is also proud to present the acrobatic finesse of Anastasia the talented gymnast who shows her agility and hand balancing acts performed before your very eyes. The Comedy act is performed by David Massot from France which includes Music performances with percussion instruments, special magic acts and interactivity with the audience.

And don’t forget, we also have the Sea Lion Show. Be amazed by Claude, George and Marcus as they demonstrate their power, agility and intelligence. Then there’s the cheeky and hilarious Parrot Show.

When the action gets too much and you just need a sit down or something to eat, Pleasurewood offers a great range of restaurants and shops where you can sample an excellent choice of hot and cold food and drinks. Over the winter months, we’ve been working hard to source fresh and healthy ingredients from the local area for our restaurants and we’re sure you’ll be delighted at the results.

Pleasurewood Hills opens daily at 10am and tickets can be bought at the park gate on the day of your visit or pre-booked online. In addition, discounted vouchers can be collected from many tourist information offices in the region, giving visitors an even greater value day out!

For full opening times throughout the season, check out the new website - www.pleasurewoodhills.com.

Taken along side one of my photographic projects at Cley, Norfolk.
For a high res image go to: www.wildaboutimages.co.uk
© Paul Bunyard